説明中心

fathom

[ˈfæðəm]

fathom Definition

  • 1understand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought
  • 2a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters), chiefly used in reference to the depth of water

Using fathom: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fathom" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I cannot fathom why he would do such a thing.

  • Example

    It's hard to fathom how much work it takes to run a restaurant.

  • Example

    The ship sank to a depth of 20 fathoms.

fathom Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with fathom

  • soundings and fathoms

    measurements of the depth of water

    Example

    The captain ordered soundings and fathoms to be taken regularly.

  • to understand or solve something that is difficult or complicated

    Example

    It took me a while to fathom out the instructions.

  • within (one's) fathom

    able to be understood or comprehended by someone

    Example

    The technical jargon was not within my fathom.

Origins of fathom

from Old English 'fæthm', meaning 'outstretched arms'

📌

Summary: fathom in Brief

The term 'fathom' [ˈfæðəm] can be used as a verb to mean understanding a difficult problem or person after much thought, or as a noun to refer to a unit of length equal to six feet, often used to measure the depth of water. It can be used in phrases like 'fathom out,' meaning to understand or solve something complicated, and 'within one's fathom,' meaning able to be understood by someone.

How do native speakers use this expression?